MADDOX 
The  King  and  the  Deserter 


* 

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THE  KING  AND  DESERTER 

^  grama, 

IN    TWO    ACTS. 
By    J.   M.   MADDOX,    Esq. 


ORIGINAL  CASTS,  COSTUMES,  AND  THE  WHOLE  OP  THE  STAaH 

BUSINESS,  CORRECTLY   MARKED  AND  ARRANGED,  BY 

MR.  J.  B.  WRIGHT,    ASSISTANT  MANAGER 

OF  THE  BOSTON  THEATRE. 


-..—♦- 


NEW    YORK: 
SAMUEL      FRENCH. 

122  Nasbad  SruKET,  ;Up  Stairs.) 


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(2) 


?  MBKARY 

&7r^'  UiVIYERS}  i'Y  OK  CAI.IFORNT, 

^/^     «S  .       .  SANTA  BARBAHA 

THE  KING  AND  DESERTER. 


COSTUMES. 


Frederick.  —  First  Dress.  Hunting  dress ;  green  silk  velvet  Prussian  frock, 
braided  with  black  and  edged  with  black  fur.  —  Second  Dress,  Dark  blue  square- 
cut  coat,  turned  back,  with  red  facings  ;  buff  breeclies  and  vest ;  three-cornered 
hat,  small  gold  cord  loop  and  cockade ;  heavy  black  jackboots  and  spurs ; 
black  leather  belt  j  heavy  cavalry  sword  and  carriage  j  white  stock ;  light  bald 
wig  and  pigtail ;  buff  leather  gauntlets. 

Adelbert. —  Blue  square-cut  coat,  trimmed  with  white  worsted  lace,  white 
turnbacks ;  white  vest  and  breeches ;  black  high  boots  ;  three-cornered  hat, 
white  loop  and  cockade  ;  white  military  stock  ;  white  waist  belt ;  sword  and  car- 
riage ;  powdered  wig. 

MoROSCO.  —  Brown  square-cut  coat ;  long  figured  vest ;  brown  breeches ;  gray 
bead  of  hair  ;  white  cravat ;  blue  stockings  ;  black  shoes  and  brass  buckles. 

De  Eeuter.  —  Black  velvet  square-cut  suit ;  jet  buttons  ;  white  cravat;  black 
stockings ;  black  shoes  j  paste  buckles  ;  powdered  wig ;  three-cornered  hat. 

Barrato.  —  Leather  jerkin;  breastplate  under  jerkin;  full  brown  trunks; 
black  full  boots  ;  slouched  hat ;  striped  shirt. 

RoLMOND.  —  Brown  jerkin  ;  steel  breastplate  under  jerkin;  full  brown  trunks ; 
canvas  leggings,  cross  gartered  ;  slouch  hat  and  striped  shirt. 

Six  Bandits.  —  Similar  to  Rolmond  ;  various  colors. 

Cartouch.  —  Blue  square-cut  coat;  yellow  turnbacks;  buff  vest  and  leather 
pantaloons  ;  black  gaiters  to  the  calf,  white  metal  buttons ;  three-cornered  hat  j 
bald  gray  wig ;  white  military  stock. 

Van  Groat.  —  Green  Pnissian  frock,  braided  chest,  edged  with  fur;  high 
black  boots  and  spurs  ;  buckskin  pantaloons  ;  three-cornered  hat ;  white  cravat 
and  powdered  wig. 

Officers.  —  Various  uniforms  of  the  period  ;  white  powdered  wigs  and  bags. 

Twelve  Soldiers.  —  Same  square-cut  style  white  coats,  black  turnbacks; 
whitevests  and  breeches  ;  black  long  gaiters  ;  three-cornered  hats ;  powdered  wiga 
and  black  leather  cross  belts. 

Twelve  Frederick  Soldiers.  —  Same  uniform  as  Frederick,  with  long 
white  gaiters  and  black  buttons,  and  garters  ;  powdered  wigs. 

FoiTR  Ensigns.  —  Banner  of  Prussia,  white  and  black,  eagle  crowned  gold. 

Twelve  Soldiers.  —  Same  style  blue  coats,  white  turnbacks;  blue  vests 
and  breeches ;  long  white  gaiters ;  powdered  wigs ;  old  style  grenadier  hats ; 
white  cross  belts. 

Rosalie.  —  Dark  fawn  skirt,  trimmed  with  black  velvet ;  black  velvet  body ; 
white  chemisette  and  sleeves;  small  circular  cap.  —  Second  Dress.  Same  dress 
with  small  straw  hat. 

Martha.  —  Maroon-colored  skirt;  black  body  and  half  skirt  open  ijn  front; 
heavy  circular  cap ;  blue  stockings ;  black  shoes  and  brass  buckles. 

(3) 


*  THE    KING    AND    DESERTEB. 


ACT  I. 

Scene  I.  —  A  Cut  Forest  by  Moonlight,*!  a.,  and  Cottage^    Flats  »n 
2  O.     D.  T.,  practical,  bac/ced  by  hut ;  gauze  window  in  V.     Music. 

Enter  Adelbert,  k.  h.  1  e.,  with  a  Jcnapsack  on  his  sword,  which  he 
carries  on  his  shoulder,  ■whistling  a  march. 

Adel.  Halt !  —  stand  at  ease !  Ground  arms  !  —  "Well  said,  Adel- 
bert ;  though  you  quitted  tlie  ranks,  you'll  make  a  damned  good 
commander  ;  and  why  shouldn't  I  ?  For  nine  years  I  have  obeyed 
the  word,  without  a  murmur,  without  a  sigh  ;  and  if  that  isn't  long 
enough  to  enable  me  to  say,  To  the  right  about,  how  deserving 
must  those  be,  who,  without  so  many  days'  experience,  are  placed 
above  the  heads  of  old  and  honest  veterans,  and  know  just  enough 
of  the  musket's  use  to  disperse  an  assembly  of  evil  meaning  patriots, 
or  lead  their  fellow-countrymen  to  slaughter  and  destruction !  Let 
me  see  ;  how  stands  the  needful  ?  —  two  sous.  Well,  this  must  serve 
me  till  I  reach  the  Austrian  camp.  I've  still  a  good  hard  crust,  and 
biting  the  cartridge  has  not  injured  the  texture  of  my  teeth ;  so  here 
goes.  Now  a  sup  of  Geneva,  or  a  bumper  of  brandy,  would  make 
up  for  the  night,  with  this  my  pillow,  {takes  off  knapsack,)  and  this 
my  bed,  {lays  it  down.)  Ah,  what's  here  ?  —  a  house  !  a  light,  too  ! 
perhaps  a  public  house,  and  brandy  to  be  had.  "Well,  public  or  pri- 
vate, if  it  is  at  all  inhabited,  a  soldier  is  sure  to  find  both  bed  and 
board.  {Music.  Knoclcs  at  D.  in  F.)  House!  hillo  !  house  !  (Mo- 
Rosco  opens  window  in  F.) 

Mor.     "Who  knocks  ? 

Adel.  One  who  wants  bed  and  brandy,  and  is  benighted,  and  has 
had  hard  turf  for  his  pillow  the  last  three  nights. 

Mor.  If  you  are  benighted,  seven  leagues  hence  is  the  nearest 
market  town  ;  walk  stoutly  on,  and  you'll  bo  there  by  morning. 
I've  no  bed  to  spare  ;  and  as  for  brandy,  my  tubs  arc  all  out ;  so  good 
night. 

Adel.  Halt !  my  old  one,  eyes  front !  look  at  me ;  and  if  you've 
neither  bed  nor  brandy,  you  ■will  not  refuse  me  shelter  for  the  night. 

Mor.  A  soldier,  arc  you  ?  Ha,  ha,  ha !  Then  march  on  to  your 
barracks  ;  this  is  no  habitation  for  soldiers. 

.   Adel.    "SVhy  do  I  hold  a  truce  with  such  a  damned  crabbed,  ill- 
1*  (5) 


6  THE   KING    AND   DESERTER.  [ACT  I. 

looking  rascal  ?  —  no  habitation  for  soldiers.  Hear  me,  Mr.  Inn- 
keeper. Open  the  door,  and  let  me  have  the  best  food  you  have  in 
the  house,  or,  by  the  god  of  -vvar,  I'll  lay  siege  to  it,  and,  ere  the 
flugelman  can  say,  Prime,  load,  and  fire,  your  door  shall  from  its 
hinges  crack,  and  never  more  be  closed  to  refuse  shelter  to  the  %vay- 
vorn  traveller,  or  keep  in  wind  and  cold  those  who  have  braved  all 
dangers  for  their  country,  and  deserve  at  least  the  rights  of  ho^ital- 
ity,  which  not  the  savage  would  refuse  to  his  benighted  countrymen. 
—  Open,  I  say.     (^Draws  his  sicord,  and  knocks  tremendously.^ 

Mor.  Stay,  stay  —  I'm  coming.  Be  cool,  and  hear  reason.  I 
OM'n  I  was  a  little  harsh,  and  perhaps  too  hasty. 

Adel,     Not  in  opening  your  door. 

Mor.  "NVhy,  the  fact  is,  my  house  being  situated  in  this  terrible 
Black  Forest,  so  notorious  for  the  haunt  of  Morosco  and  his  band,  that 
I  always  lock  up  early,  and' I  am  pretty  careful  what  strangers  I  ad- 
mit, for  I  shouldn't  like  to  be  robbed  of  the  trifle  my  industry  has 
scraped  together. 

Adel.  I  want  no  apology  ;  give  me  something  to  drink  the  king's 
health  with,  and  here's  the  hand  of  a  soldier  that  don't  care  that,  for 
all  the  robbers  in  Prussia  —  Black  Forests  or  ill-looking  landlords  into 
the  bargain. 

Mor.  A  rough  fellow,  this.  Martha,  put  an  extra  log  on  the  fire, 
prepare  for  a  customer,  place  the  best  liquor  on  the  table,  and  get  the 
last  room  ready  for  the  gentleman  to  sleep  in. 

Adel.     The  last  room  ?  and  why  not  the  first  ? 

Mor.  Because  we  have  but  one,  and  that's  both  first  and  last. 
(^Confused.) 

Adel.  And  you've  the  impudence  to  call  your  hovel  an  inn  ;  but 
I'll  taste  your  liquor,  which  I  hope  is  better  than  your  accommoda- 
tion ;  and  so  up,  fellow,  and  by  your  leave.  {Mitsic.  Pushing  Mo- 
rosco aside  unceremoniously,  enters,  D.  F.  ;  MoROSCo  shows  him  into  the 
house,  looks  in  at  the  window,  and  appears  satisfied  he  is  not  perceived  ; 
listens  and  whistles.') 

Mor.  Where  can  they  be  loitering  ?  not  in  the  forest,  when  I 
may  need  their  assistance.  This  soldier  may  bd  troublesome,  and  if 
a  good  job  should  arise,  may  mar  our  purpose.  If  nothing  turns  up 
in  the  course  of  the  night,  he  may  remain  till  morning  ;  but  if  he 
must  be  got  rid  of,  why  —  ( Whistle  heard,  L.  ii.  u.  E.  ;  MoROSCO 
ansicers  it;  Barrato  appears,  1  E.  L.  H.  ;  MoROSCO  entreats  silence,  and 
shoics  him  the  soldier  through  icindow  in  E.)  It  is  only  a  soldier,  per- 
haps without  a  groat.  Is  any  thing  stirring  in  the  forest  ?  any  likeli- 
hood of  rich  guests  to-night  ? 

Bar.  Not  that  I  know  of.  Times  are  hardi  we  have  not  had  a 
good  traveller  these  three  nights. 

Mor.  No  grumbling ;  I  have  information  that  will  give  both  profit 
and  employment  to  us  all.  A  numerous  and  rich  body  of  Polanders 
are  on  the  road  from  Frankfort,  and  will  pass  near  the  forest.  They 
have  been  at  the  fair  disposing  of  furs,  and  retiun  well  lined  with 
money  and  valuables.  We  must  be  on  the  lookout  for  them. 
{Whistle  heard,  L.  n.  v.  E.  3Iusic,)  Silence;  some  of  our  friends 
approach. 


SCENE    I.]  THE    KING    AND    DESERTER. 


Enter  Eoljiond,  l.  h.  1  e. 

"What  news  ?     Are  there  any  travellers  in  the  forest  ? 

Rol.  "\\Tiile  taking  my  usual  nightly  suj.  at  Jasper's,  a  traveller, 
well  mounted,  and,  by  his  appearance,  of  some  consequence,  hailed 
me,  and  asked  the  nearest  road  to  Berlin.  He  said  he  had  missed  his 
companions  in  the  chase.  I  directed  him  through  the  forest.  He 
gave  me  a  ducat  for  my  pains,  and  galloped  on.  I  followed,  but  he 
was  too  quick  for  me.  No  doubt  he  is  well  supplied  ;  and  if  we  could 
but  meet  with  him 

Mor.     Enough.     Barrato,  search  the  forest  round,  and  if  you  think 
him  too  much  for  you,  decoy  him  here,  and  then —     (^Music.     He 
directs  them  off,  L.  h.)     (^Exeunt  Rolmoxd  and  Barrato,  1  E.  l.  h.) 
If  chance  should  send  us  a  good  job  to-night,  this  fellow  may  be  in  the 
way.     What  can  be  done  with  him  r     I  have  it. 

Mar.  (^Without,  d.  f.)  Frank,  Frank,  the  gentleman  wants  more 
brandy.     Why  don't  you  come  to  him  ? 

Mor.  iMore  brandy.  PLice  a  full  flask  on  the  table,  Martha  ;  I'll 
be  with  you  anon.  Brandy  —  he  shall  have  his  fill.  The  easier,  if 
necessary,  will  he  fall  a  prej'. 

Mar.     {Without.)     Frank!  Frank! 

Mor.     I  come,  I  come  ;  give  the  gentleman  brandy.     {Music.') 

{Exit  MOROSCO,  D.  F.) 


ScEN'E  II.  —  Plain  Rustic  Interior,  1  Q. 

Enter  Rosalie,  l.  h.  1  e. 

Ros.  O,  bitter  fortune  !  wretched  and  unhappy  Rosalie !  Whither 
shall  I  turn  to  sue  for  aid?  where  seek  some  kind  relief?  Painful 
task,  forced  to  remain  in  the  house  of  a  villain,  an  assassin  !  to  be  the 
slave,  and  witness  the  countless  murders  of  Morosco  and  his  horde  of 
bandits !  My  blood  runs  cold  ;  I  sicken  at  the  thought.  But  four  nights 
ago,  the  wretch  Barrato  plunged  his  dagger  in  the  bosom  of  an  aged 
traveller.  The  old  man  rendered  him  his  gold,  and  begged,  for  his 
wife  and  children's  sake,  to  spare  his  life  ;  the  merciless  villain  struck 
him  to  the  heart.  AVhy  do  I  tarry  here  ?  I  must  devise  some  means 
of  flight.  The  forest  is  watched  close  by  them,  and  to  escape  will  be, 
I  fear,  impossible.  This  young  soldier  is  intended  for  their  next 
victim ;  the  thought  of  what  will  be  his  fate  drives  me  to  madness. 
Some  way  he  must  be  saved  ;  at  the  hazard  of  my  life,  I  will  at- 
tempt it.  {Exit,  R.  n.  1  E.) 


THE  KING   AND  DESERTEH.  [A.C5f  I. 


Scene  III.  —  Interior  of  Monosco's  Cottage,  3  and  4  o.  Gallery  crosses 
stage,  L.  to  R.,  in  front  of  flats,  practical,  and  staircase  to  descend  on 
K.  H. ;  D.  in  1'.,  L.  C,  on  gallery,  practical,  hacked  with  plain  hack- 
ing ;  D.  in  p.,  R.  c.,  under  gallery,  practical,  hacked  by  wood  ;  win- 
doio  in  T.,  L.  C,  practical,  hacked  by  wood;  set  fireplace,  L.  H.  3  E., 
with  fire  burning  ;  one  stool  at  fireplace;  rustic  table  on  L.  c.  2  G,, 
on  it  empty  flask,  tin  cup,  and  German  pipe ;  two  rustic  chairs  at 
table,  L.  E. ;  set  J>.,  2  £.  B.  B.     Music. 

Adelbeet  discovered  at  table,  i.  c. ;  Morosco  and  Martha  on  B.  H. 

Adel.    Landlord,  take  away  this  dead  man. 

Mor.    What  ? 

Mar.     We  are  betrayed. 

Adel.     And  bring  one  more  lively  and  full  of  spirits. 

Mor.     Fool,  the  empty  flask  he  means. 

Adel.     Do  you  hear  ?  let's  have  another  bumper — quick. 

Mar.     Give  him  no  more  ;  he  has  had  tliree  flasks  already. 

Adel.     What  do  you  say  ? 

Mor.  We  are  not  prepared  for  so  good  a  customer,  aiid  we  have 
not  any  more  brandy  in  the  house. 

Adel.  A  soldier  is  not  particular.  Some  good  old  hock  will  do  ;  for 
I'd  rather  do  double  duty  than  smoke  a  dry  pipe. 

Mar.     We  don't  keep  wine,  and  our  spirits  are  quite  out. 

Adel.     Are  they  ?     I'hen  down  pipe,  and  let's  to  supper. 

Mar.  Supper  !  we  have  nothing  in  the  house.  You'd  better  go  to 
bed  ;  that's  your  room,  sir.     (^Pointing  to  d.  on  gallery.) 

Adel.  Well,  if  you've  neitner  wine  nor  brandy,  nor  any  thing  else 
in  the  house,  why,  good  night  to  you. 

Mar.  Eosalie  !  Rosalie  !  bring  a  candle  for  the  gentleman  to  go 
to  bed.     {Music.) 

Enter  Rosalie,  tcith  a  candle,  r>.  e.  h.  2  e.  ;  she  looks  at  Adelbeet; 
appears  alarmed  for  his  fate;  sighs.) 

Adel.  A  sigh,  my  pretty  wench  ?  What !  are  you  in  love  ?  A 
charming  girl,  by  Heavens  ! 

Mar.  This  way,  sir  ;  stir,  Rosalie.  (^Music.  Rosalie  ascends  the 
stai7:i  with  a  light,  followed  by  Adelbert  ;  Mobosco,  who  has  been 
looking  through  the  windaic,  L.  F.,  sees  Adelbert's  pistols  on  the  table, 
and  is  about  to  fake  ihem  when  Rosalie  sees  hitn  ;  site,  in  haste,  signi- 
fies that  he  has  forgot  his  jnstols  ;  he  immediately  descends,  and  inter- 
cepts Morosco  with  them.) 

Add.  Hold,  friend  ;  these  are  my  old  and  faithful  companions,  ' 
and  wherever  I  go  they  accompany  me. 

Mor.  I  can  take  care  of  them,  I  warrant,  till  to-morrow  morning; 
they  shall  be  very  safe,  depend  on  it. 

Adel.  That  I  warrant  you ;  so  good  night.  {During  this  Rosalie 
has  continued  on  the  landing ;  Adelbert  is  about  to  reascend,  when  a 
voice  is  heard  toithottt.) 

Fred.     (  Without.)    Hallo  !  house  !  landlord ! 


SCEITE   III.]  THE   KING    AND    DESEETES.  9 

Mor.  By  Heavens  !  some  one  approaches.  My  friend,  good  night. 
(Rosalie  tel!^  Adelbert  not  to  go  to  bed.) 

Adel.     Methought  some  one  from  without 

Fred.     (WLhotri.)     Hallo!   hnllo !  house!   landlord! 

Adel.  What  the  devil  means  that  noise  ?  Open  your  door,  «nd 
let's  see  "who  it  is. 

Mor.  I  am  master  here  !  (^Opens  toindow,  L.  F.)  Who's  at  the 
door  ?  and  what  do  you  want  ? 

Fred.  Open,  my  friend.  IVe  lost  my  way  in  the  forest,  and 
would  rest  at  your  inn  to-night.  As  an  earnest  of  my  intention  to 
pay  for  what  I  have,  take  this.  (Zie  throws  a  purse  of  money  in  at 
window,  L.  F.)     Now  open. 

Mor.     He  must  be  rich.     I'll  let  him  in. 

Mar,  'Tis  gold  !  Rosalie,  some  wood  for  the  fire  !  Make  haste, 
I  say !  (^Music.  Rosalie  looks  compassionately  at  Adelbert,  tries  to 
make  him  observe  ;  his  attention  fixed  on  seeing  who  knocks.  She  takes 
him  suddenly  by  the  hand,  and  exclaims  «i  an  under  ione,) 

Ros.     You're  in  danger  ! 

Mar.     Child  !  what  do  you  do  here  ?    The  wood  !  away ! 

{Exit  Rosalie,  d.  r.  h.  2  e.) 

Adel.  In  danger  ?  True,  I'm  a  deserter ;  and,  if  the  military 
should  be  in  pursuit  of  me,  I  am  lost  forever  !  Coward  that  I  am  to 
fear  !     Courage,  Adelbert,  courage  ! 

MoROSCO  opens  door,  R.  r.,  aiid  enters  with  Frederick,  in  his  hunting 

di'ess. 

Fred.  Thank  you,  thank  you,  my  friend.  (^Takes  snuff.)  A  cold 
night  this  !  Ah  !  a  good  fire  !  That's  comfortable,  my  friend.  Have 
you  a  stable  ?  I've  tied  my  old  horse  to  a  tree  hard  by.  Will  you 
see  to  him  ?  He  has  carried  me  over  hedge  and  ditch  in  safety ;  and 
the  man  who  could  desert  a  faithful  animal  is  worse  than  a  soldier 
who  quits  his  regiment,  and  joins  the  enemies  of  his  country.  (Adel- 
bert starts.) 

Mor.     I'll  take  care  of  him,  sir.     What  ho  !  boy  ! 

(Exit  MoROSCO,  D.  F.  R.  H.) 

Enter  Rosalie,  d.  r.  h.  2  e.,  toith  tcood.    She  places  it  on  fire,  3  e.  l.  h., 
and  looks  at  Frederick  ;  he  pats  her  on  the  cheek,  takes  snuff. 

Fred.     Ah,  my  pretty,  comely  lass  !     How  old  are  you,  my  dear  ? 

Ros.     Eighteen,  sir. 

Fred.  Eighteen  ?  A  very  tender  age.  Doubtless  one  of  the  fam- 
ily ?  (Rosalie  is  about  to  speak ;  Martha  looks  fiercely  at  her ; 
Rosalie  courtesies  to  Frederick.)     Is  the  family  numerous  ? 

Ros.     Twenty. 

Mar.     Rosalie ! 
"■  Fred.     Good  Heavens  ! 
"  'Ros.     There  are  no  children,  sir. 

Fred.  Twenty  in  family,  and  no  children !  The  girl's  joking 
with  me  ;  it  serves  me  right ;  I've  no  business  to  ask  so  many  ques- 
tions ;  it  serves  me  right. 


10  THE   KIXG    AND    DESERTER.  [ACT  I. 


Enter  Morosco,  d.  f.  e.  h. 

•  Mor.     I've  put  the  horse  in  the  stable.     He's  a  noble  animal,  fit  for 
a  king  to  ride  on.     He'll  be  taken  care  of,  depend  upon  it. 

Fred.     'Tis  well.     Now  lor  something  to  cat,  and  then  to  bed  ! 

Mor.  Soldier,  here's  a  ducat.  Proceed  on  your  journey ;  you 
can't  sleep  here  to-night.  This  gentleman  is  old  and  fatigued  ;  you 
must  give  up  your  bed  to  him.  So  take  your  knapsack,  and  depart. 
Martha,  bring  the  cold  fowl  and  Rhenish  for  the  gentleman. 

{Exit  Martha,  d.  r.  h.  2  e.) 

Adel.  Cold  fowl  and  Rhenish  !  Why,  look  ye,  my  rough  one, 
I'm  quartered  here  for  the  night ;  and  the  devil  fly  away  with  me  if 
I  budge  an  inch  !  —  {Taps  Frederick  on  shoulder.)  And  you,  my  old 
huntsman  —  you  appear  a  good-humored,  pleasant  sort  of  a  fellow  ; 
so  am  I.  You're  hungry,  and  want  supper  ;  so  do  I.  For  you,  because 
you  have  gold  to  pay  for  it,  there's  cold  fowl  and  Rhenish  ;  for  mc,  the 
spirits  are  out,  and  there's  nothing  in  the  house.  There  is,  however, 
a  bed,  which,  by  right  of  precedence,  is  mine ;  and,  as  they  have 
but  one,  I  propose  a  partnership  between  us.  Give  me  half  your 
supper,  and  I'll  give  you  half  my  bed. 

Fred.  A  private  of  the  15th  Hussars  !  What  can  he  want  here, 
when  he  ought  to  be  on  duty?  I'll  accept  his  proposal,  and  learn 
why  he  is  not  with  his  regiment.  —  (To  Adelbert.)  What  you  offer 
is  fair.  I  accept  of  half  your  bed,  and  you  shall  partake  of  half  my 
supper.     Agreed ! 

Jios.     Thank  Heaven  ! 

Mor.     Confusion  !     Well,  they  must  be  managed.     {Music.) 

Enter  Martha,  d.  r.  n.  2  e.,  with  fowl  and  loine.  Rosalie  lays  cloth 
and  2)uts  supper.  Adelbert  cuts  the  foicl  in  two,  takes  one  half, 
and  puts  the  other  oti  Frederick's  plate,  tcho  appears  astonished, 
places  his  half  on  the  dish. 

Adel.  Don't  be  bashful,  old  man.  A  fair  partnership,  and  no 
grumbling  !  Come,  I'll  give  you  a  toast.  Here's  the  king,  and 
good  advisers  to  him  ! 

Fred.  A  pleasant  fellow  this  !  The  king  !  By  your  dress,  you 
serve  the  king  ;  you  are  in  the 

Adel.  I  was  in  the  loth  Hussars  for  nine  years.  I  served  old 
Frederick  ;  he's  a  soldier  from  top  to  toe.  I  would  lay  down  my  life 
if  I  thought  it  would  benefit  my  king  and  country.  In  our  last 
campaign,  we  lost  our  colonel.  He  Avas  a  brave,  discerning  officer  ; 
the  regiment  was  his  family  ;  he  treated  the  soldiers  as  became  their 
colonel.  But  he  is  gone,  and  the  regiment  is  disgraced. 
.  Fred.     The  regiment  disgraced  !     How  so  ? 

Adel.  A  young  upstart  was  appointed  our  colonel.  He  treated 
the  soldiers  as  his  servants,  and  looked  on  them  as  slaves.  I  remem- 
bered our  old  colonel ;  I  remonstrated  ;  he  ordered  me  to  the  hal- 
berds ;  I  was  arrested  and  confined ;  I  burst  my  prison  doors  and  fled, 
and  am  now  a  deserter. 


BCEXE    III.]  THE    KIXO    AXD    DESERTER.  11 

Fred,     {Starting  up.^     A  deserter  ! 

Aclel.  Ay,  a  deserter  !  —  from  my  regiment,  not  from  my  king. 
His  majesty  —  Heaven  bless  him  !  —  may  command  my  services,  my 
life  ;  but  if  ijroud,  mideserving  upstarts,  because  they  possess  title 
and  influence,  are  placed  in  situations  which  ought  to  be  filled  by  men 
of  merit  and  integrity,  the  king  may  expect  the  army  to  fall  into 
decay,  and  the  people  to  complain  bitterly,  and  with  reason. 

Mor.  'Tis  getting  late,  gentlemen,  and  time  for  sober  folks  to 
retire  to  rest.     We  are  a  hard-A^-orking  family,  and  must  be  up  early. 

Adel:  Sober  folks  !  Hell  and  the  devil !  Do  you  mean  to  insin- 
uate we  are  drunkards  ?     (^Draics  sword.) 

Ros.  Stay,  sir,  be  cool.  A  good  soldier  ought  never  to  lose  his 
temper,  when  the  enemy  is  so  near.     {Alluding  to  MoROSCO.) 

Adel.     The  enemy  !     {She  holds  up  the  imply  flask.) 

Fred.  An  empty  flask  !  Right,  my  pretty  lass,  and  well  said ! 
'Tis  an  enemy  indeed.     (Morosco  appears  satisfled.) 

Adel.  Ha,  ha,  ha  !  I  was  prepared  for  action  ;  but  come,  give  us 
another  bottle,  and  damn  the  enemy. 

Mor.     I'll  give  you  no  more.     'Tis  too  late. 

Adel.  One  bottle  for  the  last,  and  then  I'll  to  bed,  and  sleep 
soundly. 

Mar.  Give  him  the  poison  bottle  at  once.  I'll  warrant  he'll  sleep 
sound  enough,  jf  he  drinks  but  one  glass  of  it. 

Mor.  You're  right.  The  laudanum  in  it  will  make  them  sleep 
without  rocking. — ^\Tiy,  look  ye,  gentlemen,  I'm  but  a  poor  man, 
and  not  accustomed  to  keep  a  large  stock  of  wines ;  but,  if  you'll 
accept  a  bottle  of  the  best  Italian  cordial,  why,  I  dare  say  my  ■wife 
will  spare  it,  though  she  has  hitherto  kept  it  for  the  use  of  her  own 
private  friends. 

Fred.  No,  no ;  we'll  not  deprive  the  lady  of  her  cordial  on  any 
account.  I've  had  enough  ;  and,  on  my  honor,  I'U  drink  no  more  in 
this  room  to-night. 

Adel.  I've  not  had  enough  ;  I'll  have  it ;  and  you,  my  boy,  shall 
drink  with  me.  But  I  despise  a  man  that  don't  keep  his  word  ;  and, 
as  you  have  said  you'll  drink  no  more  in  this  room  to-night,  why, 
it's  all  the  same  to  me  where  we  have  it.  So  we'll  take  it  to  our 
bed  room,  and  —  do  you  hear  r  give  us  the  cordial  —  and  we'll  finish 
it  there.     Stir,  my  rough  one  ! 

Mor.  Just  as  you  please,  ilartha,  the  cordial !  {Music.  Exit 
Martha,  n.  r.  h.  2  e.,  for  the  cordial.  Kosalie  watches  in  alarm, 
Morosco  orders  her  to  get  the  light  for  the  bed  room.) 

Reenter  Martha,  d.  r.  h.  2  e.,  and  gives  cordial  to  Morosco  ;  he 
looks  exullinghj  at  it,  gives  it  to  Adelbert,  who  gives  it  to  Fred- 
erick, ivhile  he  takes  his  pistols  and  sword.  Hosalie  endeavors  to 
attract  his  attention,  to  warn  him  of  his  danger ;  sees  paper  on  the 
table,  takes  pencil  from  her  bosom,  writes,  and  places  it  on  the  candle' 
stick,  and  the  candle  on  it,  exclaiming, 

Ros.    This  may  save  them. 
Mar.     What  say  you  ? 


12  THE    KIXG    AND    DESERTER.  [ACT    I. 

Bos.  The  piece  of  candle  is  so  small,  I  put  some  paper  in  the 
candlestick,  ■which  I  said  might  answer  the  purpose  of  a  save-all. 

Ariel.  Ha,  ha,  ha  !  Truly,  you'd  make  an  excellent  wife  for  a 
soldier  —  not  very  extravagant.  Now  to  our  chamber  !  (^Mtisic. 
Rosalie  ascends  the  staircase,  folloxced  by  Adelbekt  and  Fredekick. 
Adelbert  kisses  Kosalie  ;  Frederick,  is  about  to  follow  his  example, 
ichen  she  designedly  lets  fall  the  bottle.) 

Mor,     'Sdeath  !     The  last  poison  bottle  I  had  left  ! 

Mar.     Wretch  !     (Martha  pushes  IIosalie  doxcn  stairs. 

Adel.  Never  mind  ;  it  shall  be  paid  for.  Place  it  to  the  partner- 
ship account,  and  let  us  have  another  quickly.  This  "way,  old  stupid  ! 
(^Music.  Exeunt  Martha,  Frederick,  and  Adelbert,  d.  on  gallery, 
L.  r.) 

Mor.  Now,  then,  for  my  comrades  !  they  must  assist  me  in  this 
•  affair.  {ilusic  agitato.     Exit,  D.  r.  h.  f.) 


Scene  IV.  —  Wood,  1  g.     Lights  down. 
Van  Groat.     {Without.)     Hallo  !  hallo  !  hallo  ! 

Enter  Van  Groat,  l.  h.  1  e.,  fatigiied  and  frightened. 

O,  my  throat !  Hallo  !  hallo  !  I  can  bawl  no  longer.  I've  been 
■wandering  in  the  forest  for  the  last  five  hours ;  and  the  devil  an 
answer  do  I  get  from  any  one.  Now,  if  I  can  find  my  way  out  of 
this  delightful  forest,  and  reach  the  nearest  village  without  being  torn 
by  a  snake  or  bit  by  a  wolf,  I  shall  consider  myself  a  very  fortunate, 
happy  young  man.  The  king  goes  a  hunting,  attended  by  his  min- 
isters and  other  great  personages  of  the  court ;  the  king  chooses  a 
circuitous  route,  and  is  lost  by  his  companions,  who  make  all  speed 
to  the  nearest  inn,  sit  down  to  a  comfortable  supper,  and  despatch 
me,  Hieronymus  Van  Groat,  the  whipper  in,  to  scour  the  country, 
and  find  out  the  Great  Frederick.  Very  -well,  here  I  am,  and  no 
Frederick  to  be  found.  The  king's  at  his  frolics,  regaling  with  some 
pretty  lass  in  a  snug  little  cottage  ;  and  I,  Hieronymus  Van  Groat, 
swallowing  the  wind  in  the  thickest  part  of  the  Black  Forest.  This 
is  to  be  the  servant  to  the  servant  of  kings.  While  they  enjoy  the 
fruits  of  oiir  labor  and  industry,  we  get  nothing  but  kicks  and 
thumps,  and  are  obliged  to  do  all  the  dirty  work  into  the  bargain. 
If  I  get  back  to  Berlin  safe  and  sound,  I'll  give  up  my  situation,  and 
get  married,  if  I  could  but  meet  a  good-tempered  maiden  that  would 
make  me  happy  all  the  days  of  my  life.  {Exit,  R.  h.  1  e.) 


SCENE  v.]  THE  KIXG  AN'D  DESERTER.  13 


ScEXE  V.  —  Plain  Bed  Room  (2  and  4  g.)  in  the  Ilouse  of  SroROSCO. 
Set  D.,  L.  H.  2  E.,  with  a  horseshoe  nailed  on  the  C.  of  upper  jjart 
of  D.  ;  window,  practical,  l,  h.  p.,  backed  by  dark  icood ;  large  doors 
c,  with  icindoio  in  upper  part,  backed  by  plain  room,  through 
which  is  seen  the  landing  place  ;  staiis  practical  from  beneath  stage  ; 
2jlain  table  imder  window,  L.  F.,  on  it  lucifers,  German  pipe,  two  loaded 
pistols,  and  a  small  end  of  a  lighted  candle  in  a  flat  candlestick,  (same 
one  that  Rosalie  had  in  Scene  II. ;)  tioo  rustic  chairs  on  l.  h.  ;  low 
truck  bedstead  in  c,  over  trap,  with  common  bedding,  £^c. ;  spots  of 
blood  on  the  sheets. 

Adelbert  and  Frederick  discovered  seated — Frederick  on  6ec?  ih 
c,  Adelbert  on  chair,  l.  h.     Music. 

Fred.  You  are  perfectly  right ;  there  is  something  mysterious  in 
these  people.  They  don't  please  me  —  the  man  morose,  the  -woman 
Auspicious,  and  the  girl 

Adel.  Lovely,  charming,  bewitching,  interesting.  (Music.  Mo- 
ROSco  opens  window,  l.  f,,  a7id  bloios  candle  out ;  lights  down.)  Zounds, 
we're  in  the  dnrk ;  no  matter,  a  German  soldier  is  always  provided 
with  a  pipe-light.  (^Music.  Adelbert  gropes  his  way  to  table,  takes 
lucifer,  and  lights  candle.  Lights  up.)  How's  this  ?  'tis  not  burnt 
out;  the  wind,  perhaps,  or  this  paper  prevents  it.  (Takes  paper 
away.)  Now  for  the  other  bottle.  Come,  hostess,  the  wine,  and  an- 
other candle  ;  d'ye  hear  ? 

Fred.  I'll  drink  no  more.  I'm  tired,  and  here  I'll  have  an  hour's 
nap.     (Slow  inusic.     Frederick  lies  down  on  bed.) 

Enter  Martha,  c.  d.,  toilh  candle;  Rosalie /o/fojcs  loithbottk  of  wine. 

Adel.  Ay,  that's,  indeed,  a  candle,  and  will  bum  till  morning ; 
but  no  extravagance;  half  of  it  will  do.  (He  cuts  the  candle  in  tu>o 
with  his  sword;  Martha  alarmed;  he  cuts  it  again.)  How's  this! 
By  Heaven  !  no  cotton  !  Cheat,  bring  me  a  proper  candle,  or  I'll  set 
tire  to  your  house  —  quick  !     (Exit  Martha,  c.  door.) 

Bos.  You  are  in  danger.  Read  the  paper  I  placed  in  the  candle- 
stick. 

Adel.     In  danger !     (Mttsic.) 

Enter  Martha,  c.  d.,  loith  another   candle  ;   looks  fiercely  at  Adel- 
bert ;  drags  Rosalie  out  of  the  room,  c.  d. 

This  will  do  —  a  paper  in  the  candlestick ;  perhaps  an  advertise- 
ment for  the  apprehension  of  deserters.  Let  me  see.  I  remem- 
ber there  was  a  paper,  eh  !  I  have  it  here.  Now,  then.  (Reads.) 
"  Strangers,  you'ie  in  the  house  of  assassins ;  do  not  sleep,  or  your 
fate  is  certain."  In  the  house  of  assassins  !  —  awake.  (Frederick 
(fets  uv  and  reads.) 

Fred.     I  suspected  these  people.     AVhat's  to  be  done  ?     Let  us  fly. 

Adel.    Fly  !  never  !     I've  an  honest  heart  and  a  sound  conscience, 
and  that  will  nerve  my  arm  against  a  host  of  assassins. 
2 


14  THE    KIXO    AND    DESERXrai.  [ACT   I. 

jFVcd.  •  But  they  may  be  too  many  for  us.  I  am  old  and  expe- 
rienced. A  good  general  will  always  retreat  when  he  sees  the  enemy 
is  too  numerous,  or  there's  no  chance  of  victory. 

Adel.  What  do  you  know  about  generalship  ?  I  take  the  com- 
mand upon  myself.  Silence  !  we  must  manceuvre  here  —  a  noise  ;  I 
hear  them. 

Fred.  We  are  lost.  I'll  reconnoitre.  (^Sloio  music.  Frederick 
ope7is  D.  slowly,  and  peeps  down  stairs.)  I  see  them  —  one  —  two  — 
four —  ten  —  there's  twenty  of  them.     Heaven  preserve  us. 

Adel.  Secure  the  door.  Let  us  be  cautious.  {Music  pizz.  They 
examitie  the  room  —  Frederick  with  pistols,  Adelbert,  sword  drawn ; 
they  discover  blood  upon  the  sheets;  chord.) 

Fred.  Here's  blood !  "i"is  too  true,  we  are  in  the  house  of 
assassins. 

Adel.  If  we  must  die,  we'll  not  fall  an  easy  sacrifice,  but  hold  out 
to  the  last.  Doubtless,  when  they  imagine  we're  asleep,  thej^'ll  ap- 
proach this  chamber.  The  staircase  is  n;uTow  ;  it  will  admit  but  one 
person  at  a  time.  Let  me  see  ;  your  post  shall  be  outside  the  door,  at 
the  head  of  the  staircase,  on  the  landing  place.  I'll  remain  here, 
and 

Fred.     Outside  the  door !  —  (^Aside.)     What  a  situation  for  a  king ! 

Adel.  Remember,  the  staircase  will  admit  of  the  approach  of  but 
one  person  at  a  time.  My  post  is  here  near  the  door,  which  shall 
yield  to  his  partial  entrance ;  then  I'll  stab  him  to  the  heart.  This 
will  find  its  way,  I  warrant  you. 

Fred.     But  I  shall  be  seen  and  murdered  before  they  enter  here. 

Adel.  Courage  and  stratagem  alone  can  save  us.  Your  duty  is 
to  prevent  the  villains  from  falling  down  stairs  when  they  receive 
this  poniard  in  their  bosoms ;  if  one  falls,  we  are  betrayed  and  lost. 
To  your  post.  Silence ;  they  approach.  ( Music,  Fkederick  is 
placed  outside  the  D.,  and  is  seen  through  c.  windows  ;  a  robber  enters, 
tip  stairs,  ivhen  Adelbert  stabs  him ;  he  attempts  to  make  a  noise, 
token  Adelbert  j^uis  his  handkerchief  before  his  mouth,  while  Fred- 
erick jowsAes  him  into  room  ;  tlie  same  is  repeated  on  four  others,  with 
the  exception  of  stopping  the  mouth  ;  another  robber  enters  ;  Adelbert 
stabs  him  ;  he  falls  backwa^'d  on  Frederick,  and  falls  down  stairs  ; 
Adelbert  pulls  Frederick  into  room.)  Bungler,  you  have  ruined 
us  !     (^Strikes  Frederick;  noise  loitliout  of  robbers  escaping.) 

Mor.  (^Without.)  We  are  betrayed  ;  there  must  be  a  hundred  of 
them.  Let  us  fiy  —  away  —  away.  Set  fire  to  the  house  ;  they  shall 
perish. 

Rosalie  rushes  in,  c.  t>. 

Bos.  You  are  safe  ;  they  fly  through  the  forest  in  all  directions. 
See  —  see.     {^Opens  window.) 

Adel.  Cowards  !  I'll  have  a  pop  at  them.  (Fires.)  They  are 
too  far,  or  it  would  have  levelled  one  of  them.  I  was  reckoned  the 
best  shot  in  the  regiment.  See  you  that  horseshoe  on  yonder  cupboard 
door?  My  life  on't  I  hit  it.  Here  goes.  {He  fires,  and  a  robber, 
wounded,  falls  out  from  D.  L.  H.  2  e.)  What !  are  you  there?  Are 
there  any  more  of  you  ?  {He  goes  to  cupboard,  L.  h.  2  e.  ;  the  hotise 
is  on  fire  ;  red  fire  at  back,  c.) 


SCENE   1.]  THE   KINO    AND    DESERTER.  15 

Fred.    It  is  all  over  with  us.     They've  set  fii-e  to  the  house. 

Adel.     Is  there  no  escape  ! 

Ros.  Haste — remove  the  bed  ;  there  is  a  door  that  leads  to  the 
stable.  Quick !  away !  {Music.  They  remove  bed,  and  descend 
through  trSp  d.  in  c.  ;  the  house  is  on  fire,  and  falls  to  pieces ;  Adel- 
BEKT  and  i^REDERiCK  are  seen  escaping  through  the  forest  at  back.) 

TABLEAU. 

Quick  Drop, 

END    OF   ACT   I. 


ACT  II. 

Scene  I.  —  In  the  distance  a  View  of  Berlin,  6  G.,at  sunrise.     A  Prac- 
ticable bridge  from  R.  H.  to  L.  h.  ;  set  hm,  2  G.  l.  h. 

Enter  Cartouch  and  six  soldiers  over  bridge,  R.  h.  to  l.  h.  ;  march 
doicn  to  front. 

Cart.  Now,  my  lads,  we  are,  doubtless,  in  the  path  pointed  out 
as  that  which  was  pursued  by  the  deserter.  Cold  comfort  this,  to  be 
marching  over  these  bleak  mountains  all  night ;  but  here  we'll  halt, 
and  take  a  glass  to  give  us  fresh  vigor  to  pursue  our  path.  Let  me 
see.  (^Takes  2)aper  otU,  and  reads.)  "  Adelbert  Stroudsbard  deserted 
from  the  loth  Hussars ;  five  feet  eight  inches  high,  dark  hair,"  &c. 
O,  poor  fellow  !  he'll  be  taken,  no  doubt ;  but  I  wish  any  one  else 
but  me  had  the  office  of  pursuing  him.  The  half-opened  door  of 
this  house  invites  us  to  enter.  So  in,  and  let's  see  what  sort  of  wine 
they  keep.  {Music  agitato.  March,  Exeunt  Cartouch  and  soldiers 
into  house,  2  g.  l.  h.  ;  Frederick,  Adelbert,  atid  Kosalie  eross 
bridge  from  R.  h.  to  l.  u.,  and  enter,  Frederick^Vs^) 

Fred.     The  coast  is  clear ;  you  may  advance. 

Adel.  For  your  caution  I  thank  you.  Now  our  partnership  must 
end.  Your  road,  you  say,  is  to  BerHn  ;  mine  to  Austria.  That 
bridge  separates  us  from  the  forest.  Thanks  to  our  pretty  preserver, 
we  are  out  of  it  in  safety.  I  march  to  the  left ;  you  to  the  right. 
Yesterday  I  should  have  quitted  my  native  country  without  a  sigh  ; 
but  now  I  leave  my  heart  behind  me.     {Looking  at  Kosalie.) 

Fred.  Are  you  still  bent  on  quitting  Prussia  r  Join  your  regiment 
again,  and  I'll  make  you  a  colonel. 

Adel.     What ! 

Fred,  That  is,  I'll  try  to  get  you  made  one.  I'm  a  particular 
friend  of  the  prime  minister's.  I'll  intercede  for  your  promotion. 
He  never  yet  refused  me  any  thing  ;  for  he  regards  what  I  say  as  law. 
Besides,  could  you  leave  that  pretty  wench  r 

Adel.     My  dear  preserver. 


16  THE    KINO   AND    DESERTER.  [aCT   TU 

Fred.  I  had  almost  betrayed  tnyself.  —  {Aside.)  Hear  me,  soldier, 
and  answer  as  becomes  an  honest  Prussian.    Do  you  love  }'our  country  i 

Adel.     As  my  lite. 

Fred.     Do  you  revere  your  king  ? 

Adel.     As  my  father.  * 

Fred.     Do  you  love  a  pretty  blue-eyed  wench  ? 

Adel.     Dearer  than  cognac  brandy,  and  tobacco  into  the  bargain. 

Fred.  Will  you  leave  your  country,  fly  from  your  king,  and  de- 
sert the  woman  you  love  ? 

Adel.     Desert  a  woman  !     If  I  do,  may  I  be  damned  ! 

Fred.  Well  said  —  well  said.  I  know  you  to  be  a  brave  soldier, 
and  that  lass  thinks  you  to  be  a  good-looking  one.  She  has  confessed 
that  her  love  for  you  prompted  her  to  risk  her  life  to  save  yours. 
Now,  I  am  determined  to  repay  your  courage  and  her  affection.  Be 
advised.  Return  to  Berlin  ;  bring  Rosalie  with  you.  Perhaps,  on  the 
road,  you  may  be  apprehended  as  a  deserter  ;  if  so,  this  ring  may  be 
of  service  to  you.  Forwarded  to  the  minister,  it  will  gain  you  the 
king's  protection.  I  pledge  the  honor  of  an  old  veteran  for  the  truth 
of  what  I  assert. 

Adel.     For  her  sake  I  do  accept  it. 

Fred.  Yon  post  house  will  afford  me  the  necessary  conveyance  to 
Berlin.  Business  of  importance  calls  me  near  the  minister.  I'll 
make  known  to  him  my  wish  for  your  welfare.  The  king  will  be 
pleased,  I  warrant.  (Cartouch  appears  at  the  d.  l.  h.,  half  tipsy, 
with  pipe,  Ac.)     But  I  had  forgot ;  your  name  is 

Adel.     Stroudsbard  I 

Fred.  {Takes  out  pocket  book.)  Stroudsbard!  Adelbert  Strouds- 
bard.    {Writing  it.)  {Exit,  L.  h.  1  e.) 

Adel.  There  is  something  in  that  old  man's  face  that  denotes  he 
means  what  he  says.  My  pretty  girl,  having  journeyed  thus  far  to- 
gether, if  you  will  consent  to  become  a  soldier's  wife,  the  first  village 
priest  shall  bind  us  forever  together. 

lios.     But  see  the  banditti  approach.     Save  him  !  save  him  ! 

Enter   MoKOSCO,  Baruato,  a7id  Rolmond    across  bridge  from  e.  H. 

to  I-.  H. 

Mor.  Ay,  we've  found  you  at  last.  Revenge  !  revenge  !  {Music. 
Combat ;  Rosalie  shoots  lioLMOND  ;  there  are  still  two  upon  Adel- 
bert, when  Cartouch  and  soldier  rush  on  from  inn,  l.  h.  2  G.) 

Car.  Damn  it,  two  upon  one  will  never  do !  Here  are  two  more 
of  us.  We'll  have  at  you.  {Music.  Combat ;  they  beat  banditti  off, 
R.  H.) 

Reenter,  as  Rosalie  and  Adelbert  are  going,  Cartouch  and  soldiers 
from  inn,  2  G.  L.  H. 

Ros.  Behold,  soldiers  approach ;  should  you  be  recognized  !  Ah, 
'tis  too  true,  you  are  lost. 

Car.  No,  my  fair  damsel,  he  is  found,  and  that's  the  more  un- 
fortunate ;  for,  by  virtue  of  this  warrant,  I  apprehend  you,  Adelbert 
Stroudsbard,  as  a  deserter.  I  am  sorry  —  devilish  sorry  ;  but  I  must 
do  my  duty. 


BCENE  n.]  THE  KiKQ  A**IJ  DESEHTEIt.  17 

Bos,    Bosalie  —  untiappy  Hosalie  —  unfortunate  Adelbert ! 

Adel.  Do  not  despair,  Rosalie.  Take  this  ring  in  yoiir  charge,  and 
hasten  to  the  minister  De  Renter,  as  our  friend  directed. 

Eos.  Yes,  dearest  Adelbert,  I  fly  with  lightning's  speed  —  -will  see, 
■will  supplicate  the  minister  for  pardon.  Yes,  Adelbert,  Rosalie  "will 
save  or  perish  with  you. 

Adel.     Away  !  away  I     (Rosalie  rushes  off,  l.  h.  1  e.) 

Cart.  And  Heaven  grant  you  success,  say  I.  Now,  fellow,  you 
must  away  with  us;  look  to  your  charge.  March.  {They  conduct 
Adelbert  off  over  bridge.') 

Scene  II.  —  An  Apartment  in  the  Palaect  1  o« 

Enter  De  Reuteb,  r.  h.  1  e. 

De  R.  So,  fresh  murmurs  and  repinings  assail  not  my  ears  alone, 
but  even  majesty  itself  must  be  annoyed.  Means  must  quickly  be 
devised  to  remedy  these  evils. 

Enter  Servant,  l.  h.  1  E. 

Well,  sir,  what  do  you  want  ? 

Serv.     These  letters  are  left  to  be  delivered  immediately. 

De  R.     In  due  course  of  time  they  shall  be  attended  to^ 

Serv,     They  anxiously  wait  an  answer. 

De  R.  I  tell  you  they  must  take  their  course.  If  Van  Groat  is 
below,  send  him  to  me.  {Exit  Servant,  l.  h.  1  e.)  It  is  ever  thus 
in  times  of  trouble  and  commotion.  Every  menial  presumes  to  give 
his  opinion  on  matters  that  would  puzzle  the  most  able  statesman. 

Serv.     {Without,  l.  h.)     You  must  go  up  stairs  directly. 

Van.  {Wiihoutt  L.  h.)  Why,  upon  my  life,  I've  scarce  had  time 
to  breathe. 

Serv.     You  must  go  up. 

Enter  Van  Groat,  l.  h.  1  e. 

De  R.     So,  sir,  you  are  returned. 

Van.    That's  more  than  I  expected. 

De  R.     What  mean  you  ? 

Van.  Why,  that  I  am  the  most  brave,  fortunate  young  man  in 
all  Berlin.  If  it  hadn't  been  for  my  valor,  by  this  time  I  should  have 
been  food  for  the  dogs. 

be  R.     Pool  !     Have  you  seen  his  majesty  ? 

Van.  No ;  but  I  have  sent  at  least  fifty  to  sup  with  his  sable 
inajesty  below. 

De  R.     Explain. 

Van.  Last  night,  after  an  unsuccessful  search  for  the  Great  Fred- 
erick, I  was  making  the  best  of  my  way  through  the  forest,  when, 
who  should  stop  my  way  bvit  fifty  armed  ruffians.  "  Stand,"  says 
one ;  "  Deliver,"  says  another ;  "  Down  with  him,"  says  a  third. 
*•  Villains,"  said  I,  "  while  I  have  life  I  will  resist."  On  they  came. 
The  conflict,  at  first,  \vas  dreadful.  I  never  flinched,  stood  their  at- 
2* 


18  THE   KIXG  AND  DESEKTEH.  [ACT  II. 

tack,  and  manfully  laid  about  me  thus  and  thus.  (^Crosses  to  R.  h.  ; 
strikes  De  Reuter  with  his  whip.) 

De  R.     Villain  ! 

Van.  Then  the  Avhole  sixty  fired  a  most  tremendous  rolley  at  me  ; 
but  I  bobbed  my  head,  and  their  bullets  flew  right  over  me.  Then, 
with  the  butt-end  of  my  whip,  I  pushed  on  the  whole  eighty. 

De  R.     There  were  but  sixty  just  now. 

Van.  That  was  before  they  fired ;  but  the  report  of  their  muskets 
brought  at  least  eighty  more.  Then  seven  from  behind  a  hedge  flew 
upon  me,  and  knocked  me  do'WTi. 

De  R.     Thus.     (Jvnocks  him  down,  and  exit,  R.  H.  1  E.) 

Van.  So  this  is  the  way  the  great  reward  the  brave.  O,  I'll  re- 
sign ;  I'll  serve  the  state  no  longer.  This  is  just  what  I  expected. 
«•  Hieronymus,"  said  I  to  myself 

Ros.  {Without.)  Oppose  me  not.  I  will  see  the  minister,  and 
Adelbert  may  yet  be  saved. 

Enter  Rosalie,  l.  n.  1  e. 

Van.  I  ■will  most  positively  resign  ;  here  I  lay  down  the  seal  of 
office. 

Ros.  The  seal  of  office;  then  this  must  be  the  minister.  (^Kneels.) 
O,  my  lord,  pardon  —  pardon  for  the  unhappy  Adelbert. 

Van.  She  takes  me  for  the  minister.  No  wonder;  my  counte- 
nance denotes  greatness.  Rise,  sweet  wench.  Who  are  you  ?  and 
what  do  you  want  ? 

Ros.  O,  my  lord,  my  distress  is  great ;  I  scarce  know  what  I 
utter.     Save  my  Adelbert,  and  Heaven  will  reward  you. 

Va}t.  Tell  me  all  about  it ;  speak  out,  and  blush  not,  though  you 
do  address  the  great. 

Ros.  You  have  heard,  no  doubt,  my  lord,  that  a  numerous  ban- 
ditti infest  the  neighboring  forest. 

Van.     Of  that  I  am  perfectly  aware. 

Ros.  Not  content  with  plundering,  they  were  in  the  constant 
habit  of  murdering  the  unfortunate  beings  that  fell  into  their  power. 

Van.     The  devil  they  were  ! 

Ros.  Last  night,  my  lord,  a  soldier,  young,  brave,  and  interesting, 
fell  into  their  hands,  and,  but  for  my  interference,  would  have  fallen 
a  victim  to  their  cruelty.  Ah,  my  Adelbert,  never  shall  thy  image 
be  eff'aced  from  my  mind,  while  blood  circles  through  these  veins. 

Van.     Go  on.     Poor  girl ! 

Ros.  To  be  brief,  my  lord,  we  escaped  from  the  scene  of  blood 
together ;  but  scarcely  had  we  reached  the  confines  of  the  forest, 
when  a  party  of  soldiers  seized  my  Adelbert  as  a  deserter.  He  has 
been  tried  by  a  court  martial,  and  now  lies  under  sentence  of  death. 
My  lord,  save  him  !  save  him  !  or  this  wretched  heart,  already  loaded 
with  woes,  will  burst  its  prison  house. 

Van.  O,  this  is  too  much  for  me  !  If  greatness  must  endure  such 
scenes  as  these,  forever  let  me  remain  in  the  humble  situation  of  a 
whipper  in.  Seeing  a  woman  in  distress  makes  the  water  pour  down 
my  cheeks  like  the  overflowing  of  a  waterspout  in  a   rainy  day. 


BCENE   III.]  THE    KING   AND    DESERTER.  19 

Shame  upon  the  man  that  can  behold  a  woman  in  tears  without 
sympathizing  in  her  sorrow,  and  holding  forth  a  helping  hand  to  her 
relief !  He  forfeits  the  best  claims  to  humanity,  and  deserves  to  be 
ranked  only  with  the  brute  creation.  Madam,  I  believe  you  mistake 
my  person  and  rank.  My  name  is  Ilieronymus  Van  Groat ;  I'm 
whipper  in  to  the  king  ;  and  if,  in  the  capacity  of  an  honest  man,  I 
can  be  of  any  service  to  you,  you  may  command  me  —  only  never 
send  me  on  an  errand  through  the  Black  Forest,  or  despatch  me  on 
any  expeditions  ;  for  I've  a  particular  aversion  to  robbers,  and  I  am 
quite  sure  a  bullet  would  never  agree  with  my  habit  of  body.  In 
everj'  thing  else  you  may  command  me. 

Mos.     Do  I  not  address  the  minister  ? 

Van.  No,  madam  ;  but  I'U  lead  you  to  him  with  all  possible 
haste. 

Ros.     On  our  despatch  depends  his  life. 

Van.  Then  let  us  to  the  minister ;  or,  if  the  king  himself  will 
give  you  an  audience,  it  shall  be  obtained.     Come,  lady,  come. 

(Music.     Exeunt,  R.  h.  1  e.) 

Scene  III.  —  The  Palace,  3  g.  Throne  and  canopy,  c,  and  throne 
chair ;  Gothic  table  on  L.  h.,  with  pens,  ink,  and  paper ;  Gothic 
chair  on  R.  h.  of  table. 

Enter  Frederick  ajid  De  Reuter. 

Fred.  I  tell  you,  De  Reuter,  that  our  force  is  insufEcient.  The 
neighboring  forest  is  infested  with  banditti.  Last  night,  our  person 
was  in  danger  of  being  assassinated. 

De  R.     Your  majesty  in  danger  ! 

Fred.  Yes,  De  Reuter  ;  instantly  let  a  party  of  dragoons  scour 
the  forest,  and  bring  all  suspicious  persons  before  us. 

De  R.     No  time  shall  be  lost,  my  liege.     {Going.) 

Fred.     De  Renter,  who  commands  the  15th  Hussars  ? 

De  R.     The  Baron  Rittenburg. 

Fred.     What !  the  young  baron  ? 

De  R.     The  same,  my  liege. 

Fred.     How  old  is  he  ? 

De  R.     Twenty-three,  or  thereabouts. 

Fred.     What  service  has  he  seen  ? 

De  R.     My  liege,  he's  been  but  six  months  in  the  army. 

Fred.  But  six  months  in  the  army  !  Then  how  came  he  to  possess 
courage,  skill,  and  intrepidity,  to  command  so  distinguished  a  regi- 
ment as  the  15  th  Hussars  ? 

De  R.  Himself  and  family  have  been  always  known  as  the  firm 
supporters  of  the  measures  of  government. 

Fred.  You  have  done  A\Tong,  De  Renter  —  very  wrong.  Hence- 
forth let  the  ladder  of  superiority  in  tlie  army  of  Frederick  of  Prussia 
never  be  ascended  by  any  other  means  than  true  wortli  and  valor. 

De  R.     But,  my  liege 

Fred.    No  more,  sir  ! 


20  THB  KINO   AND  DESERTER.  [ACT  II. 

Enter  Officer,  l.  h.  1  e. 

What  now  ? 

Officer.  I  am  the  bearer  of  a  sentence  of  court  martial  held  upon 
a  soldier  for  desertion,  belonging  to  the  regiment  of 

Fred.     Shoot  the  rascal  ! 

Officer.     The  warrant  wants  your  majesty's  signature. 

Fred.  No  subordination,  no  discipline.  There !  Follow  me, 
De  Reuter,  to  the  camp.  (Mitsic.  Exeunt  Frederick  and  De  Reu- 
TER,  R.  H.  1  E. ;  Officer,  e.  h.  1  e. 

Scene  IV.  —  The  Camp,  2  g. 

Enter  Officer  and  twelve  soldiers,  l.  h.  1  e.  ;  a  soldier  carrying  two 
bagsi  on  one  of  which  is  written  ^'  Blank  Cartridge,"  on  the  other 
"Ball  Cartridge,"  followed  by  Cartouch,  tt>  .^hom  he  gives  the 
bags.     March. 

Officer.  There  are  the  blank  cartridges  for  the  right  file,  that  are 
appointed  guard  of  honor  to  his  majesty ;  and  here  are  the  ball  car- 
tridges for  the  left  file,  that  are  appointed  to  execute  a  soldier ;  and 
you,  Cartouch,  as  corporal  of  the  regiment,  must  distribute  them 
accordingly,  while  I  conduct  the  deserter  on  his  road  to  the  place  of 
execution.  (^Exit,  l.  h.  1  e.) 

Car.  (^Who  has  hardly  been  able  to  conceal  his  intoxicatiott  from  the 
Officer,  remains  with  the  bags  in  each  hand,  looking  toicards  the 
audience.)  Ah,  poor  fellow  !  his  troubles  will  soon  be  over  —  one 
pop,  and  there's  an  end.  But  I  must  to  business.  Let  me  see  :  here 
is  the  blank  cartridge,  to  be  given  to  the  right  file,  and  here  the  ball 
cartridge,  for  the  left  file,  who  are  to  shoot  the  deserter.  Well,  that's 
a  very  easy  matter  to  accomplish  ;  for  here  is  the  right,  (turns  his 
back  to  the  audience,)  and  here  the  left ;  so  thus  I  execute  that  part 
of  my  duty.  (Delivers  the  bags  ;  by  this  blunder  the  right  fie  receive 
the  ball  cartridge,  a7id  the  left  receive  the  blank.)  So  that  point's 
settled  ;  and  here  comes  the  poor  fellow  that  is  to  suffer.  If  I  had 
not  taken  a  double  dose  from  the  brandy  bottle,  I  should  never  have 

been  able  to  say.  Ready  !  present !  fi That  cursed  word  sticks  in 

my  throat  already.     (Music.) 

Enter  Officer  and  twelve  soldiers,  conducting  Adelbert  to  execution  ; 
they  halt  in  c. 

Officer.  Soldier,  I  am  grieved  to  say,  this  very  hour  all  your  cares 
and  all  your  troubles  end. 

Adel.  I  am  prepared  to  die,  and  will  meet  my  death  withi  an  un- 
shaken spirit ;  yet,  ere  I  fall,  let  me  entreat  one  favor.  Say,  will  you 
perform  it  for  a  dying  comrade  .- 

Officer.     I  will. 

Adel.  On  the  borders  of  the  forest  you  might  have  observed  I  was 
in  company  with  a  female,  young,  virtuous  —  ah  !  in  tears,  Adelbert? 
'tis  for  thee,  my  Rosalie.     When  I  am  no  more,  seek  her  out ;  she 


SCENS  T.]  THE  KINS  AND   DESEHTSB.  21 

must  still  be  in  Berlin.  Tell  her  that  Adelbert  loved  her  while  living, 
and  only  regretted  to  die  because  he  left  his  beloved  Rosalie  behind 
him.  Protect  her,  sir,  as  you  would  a  sister,  and  Heaven  will  reward 
you. 

Officer,     Trust  me,  I  will. 

Add.  Thanlcs !  thanks  !  Farewell !  Now,  soldiers,  I  am  ready. 
(^Music.    Exeunt  procession,  b.  h.) 

Scene  V.  —  Interior  of  the  King's  Tent,  3  g.,  backed  by  the  camp  in 
6  o.     Large  curtains  to  tent  in  c     Music. 

Enter  Feederick  and  De  Reuter  from  c. 

De  R.    The  camp  was  not  aware  of  your  majesty's  arrival,  or  you 
would  have  been  received  with  the  accustomed  honors. 
Fred.    No  matter. 

Ros.     (^Without,  c.)     Where,  where  is  the  minister  ? 
Van.     (^Without.)    This  way,  lady,  this  way  !     (Mwic.) 

Ento"  BoSAUE  and  Van  Groat,  c.     Rosalie  rmhea  forward,  and 
falls  at  Fhedeeick's  feet. 

Fred.  Heavens  !     'Tis  Rosalie  ! 

Van.  Lady,  lady,  'tis  the  king. 

Ros,  The  king  !     I  must  see  the  minister,  or  all  is  lost. 

Fred.  Speak  !  what  would  you  ? 

Ros.  Pardon  —  pardon  for  Adelbert 

Fred.  Adelbert  —  within  there  ! 

Enter  Oeficeb,  c. 

Hare  you  a  soldier  under  sentence  for  desertion,  named  Adelbert 
Stroudsbard  ! 

Officer.    My  liege,  we  have. 

Fred.    Release  him,  and  bring  him  before  me. 

Officer.  My  liege,  Adelbert  was  this  morning  tried  by  a  court 
martial,  found  gxiilty,  and  your  majesty's  signatvure  attached  to  the 
death  warrant. 

Fred.    'Tis  false.    I  say,  bring  him  here  this  moment. 

{Exit  Opficer,  c.) 

Ros.  Ah,  Heavens  !  Is  it,  then,  come  to  this  ?  —  my  Adelbert 
doomed  to  die  !  But  they  must  not,  shall  not  separate  us  ;  even  in 
death  we  will  be  one.  Courage,  courage,  Adelbert !  Now,  then, 
prepare  your  fatal  instruments  of  death  !  advance  !  fire  !  {^Report  of 
musketry  heard,  v.  e.  ».  H.  Rosalie  so-eams  and  faints;  Van  GaoAT 
rushes  out,  c.) 

Fred.    "What  mean  those  guns  ? 

Enter  Oppiceb,  c. 

Officer.  The  musketry  you  hare  just  heard  consigned  to  the  earth 
the  unfortunate  Adelbert. 


22  THE   K.ING  AND  DESEBTER.  [ACT  H. 

Fred.  Mercy,  Heaven,  mercy !  {Shouts  of  joy  xoithout.  Van  Geoat 
rushes  from  the  back  of  tent,  c. ;  as  he  eriters,  the  curtains  are  drawn 
up,  discovering  a  view  of  Berlin  and  encampment,  and  Adelbeet  is 
discovered  kneeling,  the  soldiers  having  already  fired  at  him,  their 
pieces  still  levelled.) 

Van.  Hurrah  !  hurrah  !  Adalbert  is  saved  !  By  some  mistake, 
the  muskets  that  were  levelled  at  him  were  loaded  only  with  blank 
cartridge.     (Rosalie  revives.) 

Fred.  Merciful  Heaven  !  Quick  !  conduct  him  hither.  So  this 
mistake  might  have  been  of  serious  consequence  ;  for,  although  it  has 
saved  a  deserter,  it  might  have  shot  a  king.  Let  him  approach. 
{Music.) 

Enter  Adelbeet,  c,  guarded. 

Adelbert,  the  deserter,  stand  forth.  Soldiers,  you  behold  a  man  who, 
in  times  of  trouble  and  commotion,  deserted  from  his  regiment,  and 
leagued  with  the  enemies  of  his  country.  Say  what  punishment  that 
crime  deserves. 

Adel.  Comrades,  I  shall  save  you  the  trouble  of  a  reply.  I  ac- 
knowledge my  guilt,  and  am  deserving  of  death. 

Fred.  Adelbert,  by  the  interposition  of  Heaven,  you  are  saved 
from  death ;  and  'twould  be  sacrilege  to  fight  against  the  will  of 
Providence.  As  a  deserter,  I  pardon  you ;  but  say,  what  punishment 
does  he  deserve  who  raises  his  hand  against  his  sovereign  ? 

Adel.     My  liege,  he  deserves  death. 

Fred.  'Tis  well.  Behold  !  (Music.  Takes  of  his  hat,  and  dis- 
covers himself,  as  in  the  forest.  Adelbert  and  Rosalie  fall  on  their 
knees.)  You  struck  your  sovereign,  for  which  you  merit  death  ;  but 
you  saved  his  life,  for  which  I  pardon  you.  Rise,  Adelbert,  colonel 
of  the  15  th  Hussars,  and  take  Rosalie  for  your  wife,  with  fifteen  thou- 
sand ducats  for  your  marriage  portion.  (Adelbert  and  Rosalie 
embrace.     Shouts.     Flourish  drums  and  trumpets.) 

SITUATIONS. 
Perspective  View  of  Berlin  and  Encampment,  7  g. 

Soldiers.                           Cannon,  Soldiers. 

Soldiees.                               &c.  Soldiees. 

SoLDiEES.  Soldiees. 

Three  Officers. 

Officer.  Officer. 

Curtains  of  Tent,  3  g.,  open. 

Soldiers.  Soldiers. 

Officers.  Officers. 

Soldiers.  Soldiers, 

Officer.                                      King.  Officer. 

De  Reuter.           Adelbert.        Rosalie.  Cartottch. 

TABLEAU. 
».  H,  Curtain.  I"  ■• 


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